The Master of Arts in the Illinois Teacher Leader program at Concordia University Chicago is designed for those classroom teachers who are interested in increasing their job responsibilities and assuming leadership roles within their schools and districts. This degree is designed for active teachers who are not interested in becoming a principal. Rather, graduate candidates aim for leadership roles in a variety of capacities, such as department chairs, instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, mentor teachers, community liaisons and other leadership positions.
Please note: If interested in the Ohio teacher leader program, please contact www.sailforeducation.org for further information.
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Previously admitted students seeking to change programs may do so at the beginning of a semester (only) by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards at the time of requesting a program change.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDL-6120 | Supervision and Improvement of Instruction 1 | 3 |
| EDL-6130 | School Evaluation and Change Process 1 | 3 |
| EDL-6140 | Curriculum and Assessment: Framework for Student Learning 1 | 3 |
| EDL-6310 | School, Families and Community Partnerships 1 | 3 |
| EDL-6530 | Teacher Leadership: Instructional Coaching and Mentoring | 3 |
| EDL-6715 | Teacher Leadership: Providing Instructional Support | 3 |
| EDL-6725 | Teacher Leadership: Building Collaborative Relationships 1 | 3 |
| EDL-6775 | Leading School Based Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) 1 | 3 |
| RES-6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| EDL-6988 | Teacher Leader Practicum 1, 2 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Courses needed for the Teacher Leader Licensure only.
- 2
Prerequisites to Practicum: The practicum may be taken when the student has completed a minimum of 24 credit hours in the Teacher Leader program. The practicum is the capstone experience for the program.
Graduation Requirements
- Have on file an application as a degree-seeking graduate student.
- Have on file one official transcript from EACH college/university attended of all previous coursework taken.
- Complete, for the degree being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- If transfer credit is approved to be applied: have on file an approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s) or evaluation(s).
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Have on file, if applicable, necessary copies of a project, thesis or dissertation.
- Take and pass the final examination or terminal requirements in the program during or after the final course.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts and diploma(s).
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program, degree and graduation/completion requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to graduation requirements.
This program does not lead to initial Illinois licensure (PEL) but will, through direct university entitlement, lead to an additional credential on your existing PEL. The awarding of this credential will require the completion of this academic program and an existing and active PEL, and may require a passing score on the corresponding Illinois State Licensure Test(s), associated work experience, a previous master's degree, and completion of a state training academy. For specific requirements regarding this credential please refer to ISBE’s webpage or contact the Licensure Officer at licensure@cuchicago.edu.